Andrew,
I have extensive video footage of Euglandina rosea in various habitats in
Hawaii.  The tentacles you refer to seem to have a purpose exactly as you
state; that of reaching out to locate (prey?), or as a type of probe to
investigate its surroundings.  The tentacles move in a rather rapid motion,
almost random circular motion.  It is quite fascinating to watch.
Rich
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www.worldwideconchology.com
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At 09:15 AM 12/12/2004, you wrote:
>Dear All:
>
>I was just looking at some photos of living Euglandina rosea by Jim Miller
>in American Conchologist 29(4):31, and was wondering about the function of
>the 3rd set of cephalic tentacles (the eyeless ones that look like a curled
>mustach when retracted). Since most stylommatophorans are herbivourous and
>have only 2 pairs of tentacles, does this pair help the molluscivourous
>Euglandina locate prey? Do other carnivorous land snails, including those
>that feed on prey other than snails, have similar adaptations?
>
>Yours, Andrew Vik
>
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